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Acadia National Park is one of the oldest parks in the National Parks system and was the first to be established east of the Mississippi. Situated on the rugged Atlantic coast of Maine, it encompasses a varied ecosystem of rugged coastline and islands, pine woods dotted with lakes and granite peaks. A system of carriage roads built by John D. Rockefeller Jr. crisscrosses Mount Desert Isle, providing sweeping views and easy access to the interior of the island. Visitors to Acadia who enjoy camping have a choice of several campgrounds.

Blackwoods Campground

Blackwoods Campground is the largest of Acadia's campgrounds, and the only one that is open year-round. Camping at the 306 campsites is limited to RVs not exceeding 35 feet, or one vehicle and two tents per site. From the beginning of May to the end of October, reservations are strongly recommended. Off season camping is permitted, but there is no motor traffic allowed so campers must hike in and out. Facilities at Blackwoods are primitive. Campsites are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, but there are no electric hookups or running water. During the summer season, toilets and running water are available at the campground, and showers are available nearby.

Seawall Campground

Smaller than Blackwell Campground, with 214 campsites, Seawall Campground is in the less heavily traveled southwestern portion of Mount Desert Isle. Unlike Blackwell, half the sites are held for "first-come, first-served guests," so you have a chance to get a campsite on the spur of the moment. The facilities at Seawall are similar to those found at Blackwell, so expect to "rough it" if you're staying at the campground. Seawall is closed during the off-season, with the campground typically opening in late May and closing at the beginning of November. Both Blackwell and Seawall are on the Island Explorer shuttle bus circuit that runs during the summer season, and both feature evening campfire programs with park rangers.

Duck Harbor Campground

Duck Harbor is the most isolated of the campgrounds in Acadia. The campground is on Isle au Haut, off the coast of Stonington, Maine. Access to Isle au Haut is limited to mail boat. There is no access with cars. It's the most primitive and remote of the campgrounds at Acadia. Don't try to go with a large group -- each shelter site is limited to six persons. Camping at Duck Harbor is only permitted with advance reservations from May 15 to October 15. There are no tent sites, but instead five, three-sided shelters that can each accommodate six campers are available. All the campsites are primitive, but there are composting toilets, picnic tables, fire rings and a hand pump for water at the campground.

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About the Author

Based in Virginia, Nichole Liandi has been a freelance writer since 2005. Her articles have appeared on various print and online publications. Liandi has traveled extensively in Europe and East Asia and incorporates her experiences into her articles. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from West Virginia University.

Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.

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Images related to Acadia National Park

Granite stones line the original carriage trails throughout Acadia National Park. They were dubbed "Rockefeller's Teeth" after John D. Rockefeller, Jr. who donated the money and direction the construction of the boulders.